Chapter 1Essentials of Geography
Elemental Geosystems 5e
Robert W. ChristophersonCharles E. Thomsen
Essentials of GeographyThe Science of GeographyEarth Systems ConceptsLocation and Time on EarthMaps, Scales, and ProjectionsRemote Sensing and GIS
The Science of GeographyGeography – from geo “Earth” and graphein “to write”Geography is
a method, not a body of knowledgeholisticeclectic
Geographers use spatial analysisGeographers use Earth systems science
Geography isThe science that studies the relationships among
natural systems, geographic areas, society, cultural activities, and the interdependence of all of these over space.
Physical Geography isThe spatial analysis of all the physical elements and processes that make up the environment.
The Science of GeographyGeographic AnalysisThe Geographic Continuum
Figure 1.2
Scientific Method
Figure FS 1.1.1
Earth Systems ConceptsSystems Theory
Open systemClosed systemSystem feedbackSystem equilibriumMount Pinatubo–global system impactSystems in Elemental GeosystemsModels of systems
Figure 1.3
Systems
Figure 1.4
Meltponds as Positive Feedback
Figure HLC 1.1.1
Mount Pinatubo
Figure 1.5
Earth’s Four Spheres
Figure 1.7
Earth’s Dimensions
Figure 1.8
Measuring Earth in 247 B.C.
Figure 1.9
Location and Time on EarthLatitude
Latitudinal geographic zonesLongitudeGreat CirclesPrime Meridian and Standard Time
International Date LineCoordinated Universal TimeDaylight saving time
Latitude
Figure 1.10
Latitudinal Geographic Zones
Figure 1.12
Longitude
Figure 1.12
Great Circles and Small Circles
Figure 1.13
Prime Meridian and Standard Time
Figure 1.15
Maps, Scales, and ProjectionsMap Scales Projections
Properties of projectionsThe nature and classes of projections
Figure 1.19
Classes of Map Projections
Remote Sensing and GISRemote Sensing
Active remote sensingPassive remote sensing
Geographic Information Systems (GIS)
Active and Passive Remote Sensing
Figure 1.22
Remote Sensing
Figure 1.23 Figure 1.24
RADARSAT-1 GOES-12
GIS System Model
Figure 1.26
End of Chapter 1
Elemental Geosystems 5e
Robert W. ChristophersonCharles E. Thomsen